₹3.5 cr allocated for student research at 9 Space Technology Incubation Centres, Govt tells LS

New Delhi: The Centre has set up nine Space Technology Incubation Centres (STICs) in top academic institutions across the country to foster student-driven research in space technology. An amount of ₹3.5 crore has been allocated for research initiatives through these STICs in the 2025–26 financial year, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday.

In a written response to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of India, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Department of Space is actively encouraging student interest in aeronautical engineering and space sciences through incubation programmes and outreach events.

As part of these efforts, ISRO conducts the annual YUVIKA (Yuva Vigyani Karyakram) programme aimed at providing school students with foundational exposure to space technology, science, and applications. The initiative includes special session on Interaction with Gaganyatris for motivating youngsters to become future astronauts.

While there is currently no proposal to introduce aeronautical engineering modules in the curriculum of Central Government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Singh noted that such educational modules could be considered in the future based on demand.

The allocated ₹3.5 crore will be utilised by the institutions where STICs have been established, focusing on promoting innovation, scientific temper, and technological research among students in collaboration with ISRO and other relevant agencies.